You have no doubt heard about growth mindset and fixed mindset and the influence it has as a psychological theory. First introduced by Carol Dweck, it is a powerful concept that is taking place in business, politics, and the personal lives of people everywhere.
Dweck, a social psychology professor from Stanford University proposes that the power of mindset falls into two categories (growth or fixed) is how the vast majority of the world’s population can be grouped.
To establish a growth mindset definition one needs to understand that the basis of these categories is founded on the ways that people understand their own abilities. Those who fall into the fixed mindset group believe consciously, or unconsciously that their ability is inherent, while those with a growth mindset believe that their abilities are acquired and that there is no limit to what they can acquire.
If you’re looking for a growth mindset definition that is pretty much most of it. Having said this, the appeal of the concept is that the power of mindset as proposed by Dwek can change your life considerably.
What is a growth mindset? It is a way of thinking that will leave you less stressed, successful, and able to adapt to new challenges and perceived failure.
Think about it: success is simply a change of mindset.
But what is a fixed mindset? Keep reading and find out.
Find out more about a growth mindset and fixed mindset.
Unpacking a Growth Mindset Definition Further
The most uncomplicated question in this psychological theory is often what does mindset actually mean? More specifically, one explanation in answering what is a growth mindset could be that we do not have a fear of failure and can bounce back fairly quickly from setbacks. In addition, having a positive attitude towards personal growth also means that a growth mindset is the norm!
So, how is this measured?
Well, a growth mindset definition by Dweck says that mindset is the self-conception that “people use to structure the self and guide their behaviour”. In other words, it is these self-beliefs and notions that motivate us to behave the way that we do.
But, as mentioned, even if we say that we always persevere, but don’t really believe it innately, it will not be enough. Mindsets are able to be seen in the way that we act and in the way that we behave. In particular, if you are asking what is a growth mindset, it is the way we respond to failure.
So then, what is a fixed mindset? The theory suggests that those of us with fixed mindsets can learn to behave and not just think or talk about behaviour. This is because the power of mindset is able to saturate everything about you.
The Differences Between the Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
Let’s consider the differences between a growth mindset and fixed mindset in more detail. The difference is found at the root of Dweck’s work as a psychologist and comes from a very simple distinction between the two ways to look at your own intelligence.
The fixed mindset will look at its own intelligence and say, ‘intelligence is static and immovable; I have the intelligence I was born with and that is that.’
Meanwhile, the growth mindset will examine intelligence and say, ‘intelligence is developed; talents or abilities are infinite and I can grow into new ones.’
These two mindsets describe a spectrum – a spectrum on which we all sit. So, while we may the presence of a growth mindset in some fields – for instance, ‘if I practice my guitar I will get improve’ – there are also some fields where a fixed mindset can be present for most of us: of course, very infrequently will someone believe that, if they try hard, they will eventually be able to fly.
However, some people have more of a growth mindset or more of a fixed mindset than others.
The Power of Mindset and Its Effects
While this all sounds really simple, the implications of attitude on the source of intelligence are profound. One leads us to believe that we have the power to change, the other leaves very little sense of hope at all.
What is a Fixed Mindset?
From the fixed mindset originates the general desire to seem clever at all costs – and to defend the capabilities that are already appreciated and that are innate.
As a result, individuals with a fixed mindset, says Deck, have an attitude that avoids challenges and gives up quickly when struggling. This mindset influences people to believe that determination is fairly useless – because intellect is unchangeable. This means that criticism, however useful, tends to go ignored.
People with a fixed mindset tend to have a predisposition of anxiety towards other people’s success and achievements. This is because the accomplishments of others challenge the notion of their own innate limited intelligence.
All of this leads to a largely fixed view of the world in which nothing can really change and in which the cards that you are dealt are all you have.
Find out how to change your growth mindset!
What Is a Growth Mindset?
In contrast to this, the growth mindset is the opposite. Individuals with a growth mindset, have a desire to learn rather than a longing to demonstrate their intellect. This changes everything.
Individuals with a growth mindset confront challenges with the attitude that it is a step in the process of learning. Every setback yields greater perseverance, and a desire to persist, whilst they are content to take risks, consider new strategies and overcome problems.
Effort is a priority for those with a growth mindset. As intellect is something that can be infinitely developed, effort is seen as vital to growth. If you keep on going, you will get there.
On the other hand, constructive criticism and advice are graciously accepted. Learnings are taken and the success of others is seen as a source of inspiration.
As a result, individuals with a growth mindset are seen to have a more robust sense of free will. They have a sense of boldness that helps them to achieve anything they want to achieve. They love to constantly learn, grow and acquire new skills.
It is not difficult to tell which mindset Dweck would prefer…
The Evidence and Appeal of Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
Over the past century, many people have agreed with the findings of Dweck. From philosophers like John Dewey, who maintain that the self and its intellect are in a never-ending process of development to contemporary theorists and scientists and theorists who claim that the brain is neuroplastic. In all of this, the brain seems to be something of a muscle, that is unceasingly being strengthened.
All of these theories give something of defence to Dweck’s popular mind theory, all of which come from a great deal of study. For instance, she conducted studies on two groups of children who she tested. After the test, all of the children were told that they did well and given praise.
The praise, however, differed between the two groups. The first was applauded for being intelligent, while the second was praised for the effort they made.
The children’s future test results continued to be monitored. The result was those who were praised for their intelligence didn’t perform as well as those who were applauded for effort.
After this, admiring effort became the effort of many educators, and growth mindset theory was born.
Advice for the best growth mindset resources.
There’s Praise and Criticism for A Growth Mindset Definition
Today mindset theory, or the power of mindset as some people call it, has become an extremely influential theory that is being widely used in business and academic fields. The enthusiastic adoption of some of the more ideological elements of the theory has coined the term ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ and also informs the recommended method for praise within the education system.
Part of the theory’s appeal is that at its core, it is a simple one. It proposed an easy-to-understand dichotomy of attitudes and provides a quick fix for success: to succeed you need a growth mindset.
Part of its appeal comes down to the fact that it is, at its roots, very simple. It proposes a dichotomy of attitudes that are easily comprehensible – and it gives a quick-fix image of success: to be successful, all you need to do is to develop a mindset of growth.
On the other hand, critics of growth mindset theory say that by emphasising effort and the idea that we can all triumph at anything, we legitimise meritocracy, in which the successful warrant their success and the unsuccessful warrant their ‘failure’ too.
Perhaps the world enjoys this theory so much because it tells them what they want to hear.
So, can you answer the question what is a fixed mindset? And do you want one?
Find out more about personal development coaching in South Africa.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
